Southampton: What is Will Still’s track record for developing players?

Southampton: What is Will Still’s track record for developing players?

Southampton’s new managerial appointment, Will Still, comes with high expectations—not only for results on the pitch, but also for player development off it. As Group Technical Director Johannes Spors emphasized during the club’s latest strategic update, developing talent remains a cornerstone of Southampton’s long-term vision. Still, known for his progressive approach and keen eye for emerging players, fits that mold.

Will Still rose to prominence at Belgian side Beerschot before making his name in France with Stade de Reims. At just 31 years old, his managerial career is already rich with examples of trusting and developing youth. At Reims, Still took charge of a squad that was among the youngest in Ligue 1 and achieved an impressive 17-game unbeaten streak. That success wasn’t built on experience, but rather on the steady growth of talented prospects like Folarin Balogun, now with AS Monaco, and midfielder Marshall Munetsi, who blossomed under Still’s guidance.

Still provided Balogun—on loan from Arsenal—a platform to develop into one of Ligue 1’s standout strikers during the 2022-23 season. The American international netted 21 goals, crediting Reims’ system and Still’s man-management for his leap in form. It wasn’t just tactical deployment; Still worked closely with the forward to refine his decision-making, movement, and confidence.

Still’s approach is grounded in communication, emotional intelligence, and data. Fluent in several languages and deeply analytical, he brings a modern mindset that aligns closely with Spors’ vision for Southampton. His coaching is known for being player-focused, building trust through transparency and feedback rather than rigid authority.

Moreover, Still isn’t afraid to offer chances to younger players or those on the fringe. During his time in France, he helped elevate several academy graduates into first-team contention—an encouraging sign for Southampton, whose own academy has a storied history of producing Premier League-calibre talent.

Southampton’s identity as a development club—one that launched the careers of Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, and James Ward-Prowse—makes Still’s arrival especially appropriate. With Spors reiterating that success will be measured not only in results but in how players improve under his watch, Still’s track record offers cause for optimism.

“I believe in coaching individuals before teams,” Still once said. “When you develop the player, the team naturally follows.” That ethos is precisely what Southampton are banking on as they seek to re-establish themselves as a club where young talent thrives and value is consistently added.

Still will now be working closely with both Spors and the recruitment department to identify players who can grow under his system. With a young core already in place at St Mary’s, including stars like Shea Charles and Carlos Alcaraz, the foundations are set. His challenge will be blending development with promotion-chasing ambition—something he has shown he can manage in the pressure cooker of Ligue 1.

Southampton may have rolled the dice with such a young manager, but if Still’s past is anything to go by, the club’s future might just be in safe hands.

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